Sabrina Carpenter looks sexy in suspenders but you don’t – I wouldn’t wear them in a Slug & Lettuce & I’m the expert

SUSPENDERS have made a comeback – outside the bedroom.

With stars such as Maya Jama and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley sporting them as outerwear, sales have soared.

 Boux Avenue has seen a 46 per cent surge in the last month, while designers Saint Laurent and Rodarte have sent models down the runway in stockings, too.

But should you ditch winter tights for suspenders, or is this another trend reserved for ultra-slender celebrities?

Here, two writers give their views.

NO

Says Abby McHale, The Sun Deputy Fashion Editor

THERE are so many trends made by celebs that just don’t translate into the real world — and this is another one.

Celebrities can get away with this look because they want to grab attention by wearing something daring. Take Sabrina Carpenter, 25, who to me is the real-life version of Polly Pocket.

A modern pin-up who is bringing back this sexy cute look, the singer looks amazing on her Short n’ Sweet tour each night in sparkly suspenders, but that’s not real life.

She’s not heading out to Slug & Lettuce on a Friday night dressed like this.

But let’s be honest, your M&S shopper isn’t heading out to work showing off her suspender belt. If she’s wearing it, it’s subtly hidden beneath her clothes — or reserved for the bedroom.

Likewise The Crown actress Emma Corrin, 28, who is known for her out-there outfits. She isn’t afraid to be daring on the red carpet, so for her this kind of look is practically tame.

Designers gave this hosiery trend the nod at the AW24 catwalks, and I have seen more stockings and suspender sets making their way onto the high street.

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley’s collection for M&S features them, and you can get some at Next and even in selected supermarkets.

But let’s be honest, your M&S shopper isn’t heading out to work showing off her suspender belt. If she’s wearing it, it’s subtly hidden beneath her clothes — or reserved for the bedroom.

I happen to think the whole trend is very sexy — and if you’ve got the confidence to wear them out and about, then go for it.

But traditionally, the allure of suspenders was that they weren’t on show — so if you’re wearing them as part of your outfit, it needs to be tastefully done.

Sadly there will only be a small demographic of women who will have the confidence to pull off this look. Check out the celebs pictured on this page — they are all fairly young and thin.

Steer clear

For the rest of us, my advice would be wear a mini-dress or skirt if you want to show a hint of thigh, but steer clear of stockings and suspenders.

And please do not go bottomless — another “trend” made by celebrities who can wear what they want and call it fashion.

For me this trend is a stretch too far.

I think you can achieve an understated sexy look just as well with a pair of really sheer tights.

Plus your thighs will thank you for not exposing them to the winter weather on a night out.

Yes

Says Georgette Culley, Sex & Relationship Editor

PUT on a pair of stockings and suspenders, and you instantly feel in control, sexy and powerful.

The humble nylon can elevate any outfit — whether it’s for the bedroom or a night out.

Not only do stockings elongate your legs, but they also add a touch of subtle sexiness that is hard to ignore.

When Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, 37, stepped out in a classic black set as part of her ensemble for London Fashion Week recently, she looked absolutely incredible.

It was understated yet commanding, and I completely understand why so many women are embracing stockings as part of their everyday look.

They’re versatile, come in so many colours and styles, and can pair with almost any outfit.

I’ve worn stockings under a short dress during the day — and for nights out, they add a classy, stylish edge to whatever I’m wearing.

Plus, they’re far more comfy and practical than tights.

Whoever decided that wearing Lycra around your bits was a good idea, was wrong.

Sure, some might think they belong in the bedroom but — newsflash — women don’t just dress for men, we dress for how the clothes make us feel.

Stockings allow for a bit of air, at least. Lots of women, like myself, have been secretly wearing stockings and suspenders to the office or on nights out for years — so I’m pleased that they now have the fashion seal of approval.

There’s a timeless, vintage allure to stockings and suspenders that I love.

The first nylon ones went on sale in 1940 and were an instant hit, with four million pairs sold within four days.

Wearing them today gives a sense of glamour that makes me stand a little taller. You can’t help feeling like Marilyn Monroe or Sophia Loren.

Too pretty

Our own lingerie queen Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, and other powerhouses such as presenter Maya Jama, 30, and socialite Paris Hilton, 43, are showing that there is a place for them today, too.

Plus, some of the designs are just too pretty to be kept underneath our clothes.

Sure, some might think they belong in the bedroom but — newsflash — women don’t just dress for men, we dress for how the clothes make us feel.

Some of my friends disapprove of my love for stockings as outerwear, calling it “trashy”.

But honestly? They are toe-tally wrong.